Fall River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fall River, also known as Lazy Lake, is a gravity dam located in Columbia, Wisconsin, along the North Branch Crawfish River.


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Summary

Completed in 1859, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene setting for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 17 feet and a length of 300 feet, Fall River has a storage capacity of 900 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 578 acre-feet.

Despite its age, Fall River maintains a satisfactory condition assessment and is inspected every two years to ensure its safety. However, due to its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment, the dam's management team must remain vigilant in implementing risk management measures. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 60 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 3000 cubic feet per second.

Fall River's location in the beautiful Wisconsin countryside, paired with its historical significance as one of the oldest dams in the area, makes it a noteworthy site for both water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a regulated structure under the supervision of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Fall River continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem and provides a valuable resource for the community to enjoy and appreciate.

Years Modified

1860 - Other

Year Completed

1859

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

North Branch Crawfish River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

161

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

76

Nid Storage

900

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.